Sabrina Carpenter: More Than a Pop Star

From “Driver’s License” Echoes to Seventies Obsession

Pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter is proving adept at generating buzz, whether intentional or not. Her recent album cover for *Man’s Best Friend*, drawing comparisons to Spinal Tap’s iconic *Smell the Glove*, sparked significant online debate.

A Deep Dive into Musical Fandom

Contrary to what some might assume, Carpenter’s true passion lies in music. According to Angie Martoccio, who profiled the artist for a recent *Rolling Stone* cover story, Carpenter is a “full-on music nerd.” Her dedication to music history is evident in her off-hours pursuits, which include watching classics like *Saturday Night Fever* and meticulously studying the discographies of her favorite artists.

Carpenter‘s admiration for ABBA is particularly noteworthy. Her commitment to the Swedish pop group is so profound that she has named her cats Benny and Björn. She has also attended the ABBA Voyage show multiple times, drawing fashion inspiration from it, and even secured a personal museum tour from group member Björn Ulvaeus himself.

This revelation comes as part of a new episode of the *Rolling Stone Music Now* podcast, which delves into Carpenter‘s career trajectory and previews her upcoming album, *Man’s Best Friend*, set for release on August 29.

Navigating Scrutiny and Artistic Evolution

The podcast episode also explores Carpenter‘s journey from being initially associated with Olivia Rodrigo‘s “Driver’s License” to forging her own distinct artistic identity. Following the public attention surrounding a perceived teenage love triangle with Rodrigo, Carpenter channeled the experiences into powerful songs like “Skin” and “Because I Liked a Boy.” Her 2022 album, *E-Mails I Didn’t Send*, marked a significant step in her self-redefinition.

When asked about that period, Carpenter offered a seemingly dismissive, yet telling, response: “I don’t think about it at all.” In a demonstration of mutual respect, or perhaps a subtle nod to past connections, Carpenter was later observed watching Rodrigo‘s Glastonbury performance from the side stage.

Carpenter has been open about her engagement with public perception. She admits to reading online commentary, including criticism of her performances and personal appearance, to the extent that she feels somewhat desensitized. The emotional toll of this constant scrutiny is explored in her song “Needless to Say,” a track she shared is particularly meaningful to her.

The *Rolling Stone Music Now* podcast, hosted by Brian Hiatt, offers extensive interviews with a wide range of artists. Previous episodes feature conversations with music icons such as Mariah Carey, Bruce Springsteen, and SZA, providing a rich archive of musical insights. As of early 2024, the podcast had released over 400 episodes, showcasing a broad spectrum of musical genres and discussions.